It has been about three months since the government lifted the $40,000 restriction to allow the import of 2,500 cars for sale in India without the need of homologation. We certainly thought this would result in some fireworks this Diwali, especially for enthusiasts like us and the even the Supreme Court cannot ban any of those! So with less than a week to go for the festival of lights, here is our list of wishes so that it reaches the right people in time.
1. Toyota GT 86
Because the boss loves it. And we love it too! The spiritual successor of the Hachi Roku, the AE86 that makes us watch Initial D cartoon episodes till today, is the ideal budget two-seater sports coupe. It will still cost about Rs 40 lakhs if Toyota decides to sell it in India and if the Boss gets one, we can at least afford a set of rear tyres (just in case) before we ask him for a spin in it. After all, who wouldn’t want to stick the tail out in every corner?
2. Volkswagen Up! GTI
Our in-house JDM man, Abhishek, seems to have got the balance perfectly right. The Volkswagen Up! Is the smallest hatch from the VW and essentially, it is the same size and horsepower that the legendary Golf GTI started with decades ago. It is as big as the Swift and much faster, with a far better handling and it might be yours as well if you are ready to sacrifice a brand new Toyota Corolla Altis for it!
3. Kia Soul
Well, this is not a performance car because our man Nikhil, believes in making smarter choices. He wants Kia to bring the Soul to India before it starts its Indian innings next year. The butch compact SUV has space, is comfortable and in his words ‘it will be the car you drive every day rather than think about driving it every day before you take the train to the office’.
4. Renault Talisman Wagon
Renault has come up with some stunning designs globally in recent times although it is yet to bring the all-new Duster to India. Amongst its new stunners, Venkat absolutely adores the Talisman wagon. As beautiful as it is to look at, it is large and roomy and luxurious and has one of the best-looking rears in the business. And that last fact does not have much to do with it being on the list.
5. Ford Focus RS
Jeremy Clarkson had declared the Ford Focus RS as the ultimate fun hot-hatch. So when Bilal had to choose one between the record-holding Civic Type R and the Ford, he did have a tough time. But then, he remembered his own little Ford and the feel of the blue oval. And besides, it has the drift mode as well, like the Mustang. Hoonigans, I tell you!
6. Suzuki Jimny
The world has been in love with the all-new Jimny and I am just a mere mortal. It looks great, gets bright colours and gets all-wheel drive as well. It gets a naturally aspirated 100bhp engine which means it will be easier on the pocket as well. And unlike others, yours truly wouldn’t always need a road to go wherever I want to. And after three decades, the Gypsy will have a worthy successor!
